 Pieria
is the smallest prefecture in Greek Macedonia. It lies in the southern
part of central Macedonia and features a typical Mediterranean climate,
except in the higher mountain areas, which are known to receive snow during
the winter months. There are many interesting things to see and do in Pieria.
Mt. Pierus, which was home to Orpheus and the Muses, is found here, as
well as the Pierian Spring. The highest mountain in Greece and throne to
the ancient Greek gods, Mt. Olympus, is located on the south side of Pieria.
Other ancients cities are also located in Pieria, such as Leivithros and
Pimpleia.
Katerini is
the capital of the prefecture of Pieria, and is found between the Pierian
plain and Mt. Olympus.
The ruins of
the Macedonians Sanctuary of the gods is found in Dion, just south of
Katerini. You can view the ruins from the sanctuary buildings which include
the temples, two theatres, and a stadium. Next to this, and just to the
north, the remains of ancient Dion are found.
A beautiful,
long beach is found just 23 kilometers from Katerini in Leptokaria. This
is a very popular tourist attraction each year. There are also other seaside
resorts such as methoni, Nea Agathoupoli, which has a wonderful fish market,
Agios Panteleimonas, which features an ancient Venetian castle, and Makrigialos,
which holds the ruins of the ancient city of Pydna. If you head just 24
kilometers from Katerini, you will find Litohoro, on the slopes of Mt.
Olympus. This is a summer resort, and a legendary mountain that is very
popular for mountain climbing. While in this area, be sure to visit Enipeas,
a wonderfully enchanting valley which holds a river that flows down from
Mt. Olympus. |
